FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Zakat funds are to be spent, according to the Quran, on the poor and the destitute, the wayfarer, the bankrupt, the needy, those who newly embrace Islam, captives, collectors of Zakat and in the cause of God. The last category allows Zakat funds to be used for the general welfare of the people—education, social work, etc. Zakat in spirit is an act of worship, while in its external form, it is the carrying out of a social service. Zakat is thus not merely the payment of a tax, as it is generally understood, but rather a matter of great religious significance. Its importance is underscored by the fact that the Quran treats it on par with (salat) prayer. The Quran frequently enjoins the believers, ‘to say prayers and pay the Zakat’ and goes to the extent of saying that one cannot attain righteousness unless one spends out of one’s wealth for the love of God: ‘By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give of that which you love.’ (3: 92) Moreover, the Quran disapproves of people who make a show of their alms-giving. (2: 271) Zakat is a test of the sincerity and unselfishness of the believer. For there is no authority to force any Muslim to pay it. It is entirely up to the conscience of the individual whether they pay or not. The willingness to pay shows that one’s heart is free of the love of money. It shows that one is prepared to use one’s money for the service of humanity. The Prophet of Islam was always very concerned for the poor and the needy. He went so far as to say: ‘He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side.’ (Muslim) THE UTILIZATION OF ECONOMIC RESOURCES Agriculture is essential and should be given priority in any community. According to the Quran, God has spread out the earth and made it fertile and therefore fit for cultivation. He sends the “fertilizing winds” to drive the clouds and scatter the seeds and He sends down rain to bring forth vegetation of all kinds. The many verses in which these bounties and favours of God are mentioned all serve to encourage people not only to thank God but to engage in farming. There are many sayings of the Prophet which commend agricultural production. The Prophet of Islam said: